Designing Mind

By staff | May 1, 2008

Interior designer Jessica Holmes grew up on Holmes Beach; in fact, the island was named for her great-grandfather. The bedroom she created for this spring’s Symphony Designer Showcase—a mix of antiques with a modern twist—was a Showcase standout. Designers are using antiques: Because they add texture and dimension. But don’t... Read more »

Interior designer Jessica Holmes grew up on Holmes Beach; in fact, the island was named for her great-grandfather. The bedroom she created for this spring’s Symphony Designer Showcase—a mix of antiques with a modern twist—was a Showcase standout.

Designers are using antiques: Because they add texture and dimension. But don’t think heavy brown furniture with doilies; it can have a sense of fun. In the Designer Showcase: I set acrylic lamps from the late ‘40s and early ‘50s on period chests, used a black wood game table, chose a faux bamboo green chest for its fresh, wonderful color, and added contemporary posters. In that room alone, I have a Swedish bench, a French piece, a custom headboard and a Louis ghost chair by Philippe Starck. My favorite local furniture sources: I use two antiques dealers, Adam Holliday and Steve Postan. At the recent Atlanta antique market: I saw a lot of Biedermeier pieces, which I love, and painted pieces. And I brought back a lot of pillows and interesting accessories that I can store until they find their perfect home in someone’s house. I’m working on: A couple of new homes on Siesta Key and a complete beach condo remodel also on Siesta. I’m finishing a penthouse condo in Palmetto in Belle Mare at Riviera Dunes. And I’m spending a week in Bogota, Colombia, working on an office for a repeat client for whom I designed an office in downtown Sarasota.